Sun Microsystems is offering small to medium enterprises (SMEs) a viable alternative to Intel-based servers with the announcement of two new dual processor-capable entry-level systems - the Sun Fire V210 server and the rack-optimised Sun Fire V240 server.
Both servers are based on the UltraSPARC IIIi processor and the Solaris Operating System (OS) and ship with a full suite of integrated and integrateable Sun ONE software.
"This effectively brings the reliability and security of Sun's flagship operating system, and the performance of its processor technology, within the reach of SMEs. Previously reserved for enterprise customers owing to the high cost of this technology, Sun anticipates making major inroads into territory previously dominated by the Windows and Intel combination," says Dumisani Mtoba, senior systems engineer at Sun Microsystems SA.
Enterprise features on these servers include four Gigabit Ethernet ports, the Sun ONE software stack, remote management capabilities, and mobile server identity. In addition, as one of the industry's first servers to feature four integrated gigabit Ethernet ports for superior I/O, and an optional integrated SSL card for added security, the Sun Fire V210 and Sun Fire V240 servers deliver enterprise-class innovations to the entry-level server market in an ultra-dense package.
"Traditionally, these features were optional extras on this level machine, costing around 20% or more," notes Mtoba.
More than simply a server, the Sun Fire V210 and V240 have been designed with a true systems approach by combining processor and OS technology with comprehensive systems management and Sun ONE Web services software.
"As an integrated solution, the 1U Sun Fire V210 and 2U Sun Fire V240 servers speed deployment time delivering complete out of the box readiness, which entry-level Wintel systems cannot offer," says Mtoba. The value of Sun's systems is therefore boosted by lower acquisition costs and quicker deployment time.
The Sun Fire V210 and Sun Fire V240 servers are designed for front-end, enterprise and technical computing applications. Enterprise applications are supported on these new systems from Sun's iForce partners including BEA Systems, Check Point, Callisto, iVAST, Kasenna, Mentor Graphics, Oracle, SAP, and VERITAS Software.
Pricing on the Sun Fire V210 and V240 servers starts at under $3 000.
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Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer" -- has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc (Nasdaq: SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.
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